INTRODUCTION

Today I want to talk about a short verse with profound implications. Paul, writing to the Corinthians, is addressing the proper use of spiritual gifts in the church. But nestled in the middle of this detailed teaching is a simple statement that speaks volumes:

"But if any man be ignorant, let him be ignorant." (1 Corinthians 14:38, KJV)

As someone who holds the fulfilled view, I see this in its full first century context, where the miraculous (supernatural) spiritual gifts of the Spirit were temporary, given for the edification of the early church until the coming of the Lord. Paul is dealing with disorder and pride, especially around tongues and prophecy. And he draws a hard line here:

If someone refuses to acknowledge the authority of apostolic teaching, Paul does not chase them endlessly. He says, let them be ignorant.

UNDERSTANDING THE CONTEXT

In 1 Corinthians 14:37 (NASB), Paul says:

"If anyone thinks that he is a prophet or spiritual, he is to recognize that the things which I write to you are the Lord's commandment."

That's the lead-in. Paul is saying that what he's writing is not a suggestion, it is the Lord's command. Then he follows with verse 38:

"But if anyone does not recognize this, he is not recognized." (NASB)

• The KJV says: "Let him be ignorant."
  
  

• The NASB says: "He is not recognized."
  
  

Both convey the same idea: If someone rejects apostolic instruction, we are not to treat their ignorance as wisdom. We do not validate rebellion or spiritual pride.

Paul also warns in Galatians 1:8-9 that:

"If we, or an angel from heaven, should preach to you a gospel contrary to what we have preached to you, he is to be accursed."

That's how seriously Paul took the authority of his teaching.

THE PRETERIST FRAMEWORK

Why is this important in a fulfilled framework?

Because in the first century:

• The Spirit was revealing mysteries
  
  

• He was guiding the church
  
  

• He was preparing the body for the coming Day of the Lord
  
  

As Paul says in 1 Corinthians 13:8-10 (NASB):

"Love never fails. But if there are gifts of prophecy, they will be done away with, if there are tongues, they will cease, if there is knowledge, it will be done away with. For we know in part and prophesy in part, but when the perfect comes, the partial will be done away with."

• These gifts were partial
  
  

• They served a temporary purpose during the transitional period
  
  

• That period ended with the fulfillment of the Old Covenant age in AD 70
  
  

• After that, the need for such signs ceased
  
  

THE SPIRIT REMAINS ACTIVE

Let me be clear:

• The Holy Spirit was never just about gifts
  
  

• He is still fully active today
  
  

• We are now the mature body of Christ
  
  

• The Spirit now works more deeply through:
  
  

  • Wisdom
    
    

  • Conviction
    
    

  • Transformation
    
    

  • Truth
    
    

As Galatians 5:25 says:

"If we live by the Spirit, let's follow the Spirit as well."

The specific miraculous gifts served their purpose in that first-century generation, but the presence and power of the Holy Spirit continue:

• He is the seal of our salvation
  
  

• He leads us into truth
  
  

• He conforms us to the image of Christ
  
  

LET THEM BE IGNORANT

So what do we do with those who reject this truth?

• Those who insist that tongues continue
  
  

• Those who claim prophecy is still active
  
  

• Those who cling to futurism, despite the clear testimony of scripture and history
  
  

Paul gives us permission right here:

"If any man be ignorant, let him be ignorant." (KJV)

This is not harsh, it is clarity. It is recognizing that not everyone will accept the truth.

Paul does not say argue endlessly. He says, if they reject the authority of the Word, let them go.

As Jesus said in Matthew 15:14 (NASB):

"Leave them alone, they are blind guides of blind people. And if a blind person guides a blind person, both will fall into a pit."

APPLICATION

In this age, we proclaim the fulfilled gospel with boldness.

But we do not waste energy on those who will not see. Paul told Titus:

Titus 3:10-11 (NASB) "Reject a divisive person after a first and second warning, knowing that such a person has deviated from what is right and is sinning, being self-condemned."

• We are not the final judges
  
  

• But we are called to exercise spiritual discernment
  
  

• And that includes knowing when someone is choosing ignorance
  
  

CONCLUSION

1 Corinthians 14:38 reminds us that not all ignorance is innocent. Some is willful.

• Paul faced it
  
  

• The early church faced it
  
  

• And we do too
  
  

But rather than be discouraged, we are to:

• Stay focused
  
  

• Continue teaching
  
  

• And let those who choose ignorance walk their path
  
  

"But if any man be ignorant, let him be ignorant."

That is not defeat. It is Paul's way of saying:

Stay the course. Truth stands, whether men accept it or not.

Amen.